Episodes
5 days ago
Episode 120 - The Last Clip Show?
5 days ago
5 days ago
Prepare yourself for the conversational snips of the previous thirty episodes… a potpourri of what may be our final clip show for a while. Over the last 3 years we’ve obviously refined a few things. Ben is starting to get right into the show when he’s in charge of recording; a side effect of this is that warmups are no longer as much of “a thing” for us anymore. Ben has also worked diligently on reducing the necessary recording time for special guests, so these days we are also cutting far fewer segments due to time. However, we reserve the right to revisit the clip show concept in the future, but they will no longer occur on 30 episode intervals as they have in the past. And now… on to the scraps!
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00:00:21 - Why?00:01:47 - Ep 92 Logic clip introduction00:02:23 - Unity fee restructuring, SAG striking, Andrew’s support, and supporting indies 00:09:19 - Ep 95 Animate clip introduction 00:10:23 - Martin’s opinions about Unity, showing support by being vocal, and StarVaders00:13:23 - Ben asks Martin about controller support on the Mac and development challenges00:17:07 - The benefits of being a part of the Unity developer community and 3rd party tools00:20:33 - Effective game QA testing, using Discord, and how game engines lock down code 00:25:14 - The pros and cons of making your own game engine, and Starbucks’ in Sweden 00:26:58 - Ep 96 Robot clip introduction00:27:38 - Differences in salts, nobody wants goiters, PRINGLES® slogans, and “Hi Julius!”00:31:38 - Let them breathe, smells like potato water, hearing Idaho, and eating them in stacks00:34:01 - ASMR, salt favored, the most expensive salt, condiment reminder, and library garlic00:38:41 - PRINGLES® freshness dates foreign and domestic, ASMR+, and a bathroom break00:43:51 - Ep 98 Ink clip introduction00:44:19 - Sensory adventure triggers another sensory adventure, and an animatronic callback00:48:06 - Ep 100 Review clip introduction00:48:41 - Drop dead, postmortem, rail sharing, trains falling down, and high altitude littering 00:54:47 - Ep 102 Narative clip introduction00:55:28 - Andrew loves all things Richard Ayoade, his first, and 0118 999 88199 9119 725... 301:00:54 - The “Critical Film Studies” episode of a Community, and it’s just a television show01:03:09 - Ep 103 Rhythm clip introduction01:04:00 - Some tech talk, definitions of art, “but also that elephant…,” and walking on the flag 01:07:48 - Heather Cassils’ performance art, and Star’s experience at Purchase College 01:11:01 - Exploring what you want to learn in community college, and don’t not be happy01:13:24 - Decoy show start, a dress rehearsal for a podcast, and short term memory screens01:16:15 - The WiiU, The Wonderful 101, Veiwtiful Joe, and an extreme button mashing pro tip 01:19:11 - Ep 104 Lukas Eggan Interview clip introduction01:19:50 - Discussing Alan Wake 2, Quantum Break, and a choice for the current generation01:22:23 - Bethesda needs a win, collecting priorities, changing it in post, and LAN Parties01:26:24 - Lukas’ noticeable change in sound quality, our cats, and Ben’s pre-show coffee01:28:10 - Ep 106 April Fools / Turbo Tax Game Review clip introduction01:28:59 - Agendas, sensitivity readings, the moral “high ground,” and conspiracy theories01:32:16 - Splitting hairs of the definition, trying to explain things, and being empathetic 01:35:49 - Ep 107 Trend clip introduction01:36:48 - A documentary about coinage, Norah’s traffic commentary, and interview feedback01:39:32 - Actively being a passenger, Norah reveals Alaska plans, and ambient sounds 01:43:17 - Ep 109 Beat clip introduction01:44:13 - AI responding to AI generated content, where we get our news, and the FTC ruling01:46:41 - Twenty year old cat FRAPs, old politicians, and refusing to work with people 01:50:33 - Printed infographics, teach yourself with the internet, and positive attitudes01:53:58 - Ben starts showcasing his writings on Substack, and closing the show
***
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcastOn Substack: https://substack.com/@twovaguepodcastFor show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com-AND- …for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Episode 119 - Witch Spring R Review and PAX West 2024 Interviews
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Friday Sep 13, 2024
This week we have an AMAZING episode for you! We received another PS5 review code compliments of the fabulously kind PR ninja Robert, but before Ben spills the entire cup of tea on his time KIWIWALKS’ latest remaster of the original WitchSpring game, he recounts his 7 days of experiences in Seattle when he wasn’t busy at PAX West 2024 proper. After the review, Ben shares his LIVE (at the time) “Podcast in a Bag” interviews from the Arch Building of the Seattle Convention Center. The first one is with The Behemoth’s co-founder, artist and game designer Dan Paladin; he “sits down” with Ben to talk about his game design inspirations and of course, his favorite word. Next, JOFSOFT’s Aron Koh, the Executive Producer of the upcoming genre bending game Pizza Bandit, speaks to Ben about the circuitous route they took in their development of the game, as well as the importance of pivoting and iterating when developing for a general gaming audience.
***
00:00:21 - On this episode… two interviews, a game review, and Ben’s non-PAX Seattle stuff 00:01:41 - In Seattle, corned beef and cabbage, the story turns sour, and a mixed blessing00:05:27 - The What’s Good Games party, Polaroid cameras, and dinner with Christian and Erik00:07:25 - New friends in your 50s, Ben starts a Seattle walk, and selfie museum shenanigans 00:09:49 - Repopulating the planet, the Space Needle, and thanks to Nancy for the photos00:11:03 - A fancy sandwich, more waking, a putting the bow on the trip with delicious Thai00:13:16 - Witch versus evil pope, same story with different perspectives, and Suyoung Jang 00:16:14 - Building at your atelier, managing difficulty, a fat bird, and the experience system00:19:42 - Increasing your other levels with training mini-games and bonus percentages00:22:01 - 3 ups: well balanced, superior audiovisuals, and smart map zoom view and usage 00:23:30 - 3 downs: pet capture tutorial, inconsistent mission arrow, and blacksmith mini game 00:25:59 - Ben recommends playing, wants to see more witch stories, and closes the review00:27:45 - The interviews, a quick disclaimer on the audio quality, crowd noise, and hot mics00:30:23 - The seldom used a cappella Podcast in a Bag theme song!00:30:35 - The co-founder of The Behemoth, Dan Paladin; words = ladle and cheeseborough00:44:42 - The executive producer of JOFSOFT’s “Pizza Bandit,” Aron Koh; 00:51:44 - Aron’s words are pivot and iterate, the difference between the two, and WISHLIST!00:53:13 - Ben shares what is in store for you on future episodes of the Two Vague Podcast
***
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcastFor show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com-AND- ...for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
For more information on WitchSpring R from KIWIWALKS…https://witchspringr.com/en/
For more information on The Behemoth’s amazing games…https://www.thebehemoth.com/
For more information on JOFSOFT’s freshman release Pizza Bandit… https://www.jofsoft.com/WISHLIST Pizza Bandit on Steam HERE…https://store.steampowered.com/app/2475010/Pizza_Bandit/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #witchspring #witchspringr #kiwiwalks #DanPaladin #TheBehemoth #AronKoh #JOVSOFT #PizzaBandit
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Episode 118 - The Imaginary Game Studios Interview Episode
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
In this special pre-PAX West 2024 edition of the Two Vague Podcast… does Ben have a couple of imaginary guests, the titular “Drop Dead Fred” perhaps? Nope! He’s got something far more engaging than a Phoebe Cates movie up his sleeve. Christian and Erik from Imaginary Game Studios join Ben to talk about their experiences in the AAA gaming space and their latest project Rogue Climber! It’s an episode that is guaranteed to be more exciting and interesting than driving a desert bus from Las Vegas to Tucson, Arizona.
Ben’s interview with Christian 00:00:20 - Introducing Imaginary Game Studios founder and Meticulous game creator Christian00:02:46 - Correction, the game Ben played at the Local H concert was Battle Arena Toshinden 00:04:25 - Finding the fun, exorcising the design demons, mixing inspiration, and rage climbers00:07:52 - The indie game flavor of the month, Steam genre tag problems, and the Cybertruck00:11:55 - Ben’s arcade memories, Christian’s time in Japanese arcades, and a Dreamcast tip00:14:53 - Getting Over it with Bennett Foddy, Penn & Teller’s Desert Bus, and Airplane Mode 00:17:54 - Capsule hotels, themed stuff in Japan, Studio Ghibli stores, and back to Desert Bus00:21:25 - Cozy rage, Christian’s experiences in the AAA space, and speculating on the cause00:24:40 - Cutting Peter Dinklage’s Ghost, and stratification of creatives, leaders, and execs00:27:27 - The Imaginary Game Studios game jam, YouTube content creation, and the news00:28:32 - Favorite word - imagination
Ben’s interview with Erik00:30:19 - Introducing 2VP to Erik, focus required, a lifeline for Meticulous, and the first to play00:33:07 - Meeting Christian at EA, working at Blizzard on Diablo 3, and a heroine killing spoiler00:36:38 - The perils of stories “under wraps,” crafting meaningful stories, and is it censorship? 00:39:19 - The easiest thing to change, creating a simulacra, incorporating feedback, and DEI00:42:55 - Everyone is NOT a narrative expert, the creative process, and remembering Anthem00:45:08 - Getting to the fun questions, Counter-Strike bunnyhopping, and a Venn diagram00:48:34 - Correction, only review copies of Penn & Teller's Smoke and Mirrors were made00:51:11 - Favorite word - a tie between scofflaw and bindlestiff
Erik’s interview with Ben00:52:50 - Where did you come up with the word concept?00:54:44 - Tell me about your dad, what would his favorite word be, and connecting with Norah00:57:54 - Ben gets a little personal about his relationship with his father00:59:42 - What story about your father do you think had the biggest impact on you?01:00:40 - Erik talks about his experiences writing for a Sports Illustrated subsidiary01:02:19 - Andrew and Erik are in the same boat, the 23 year gap, and the booth babe sash
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcastFor show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at twovaguepodcast@gmail.com-AND- …for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
Follow all the shenanigans Imaginary Game Studios is up to…On their website: https://www.imaginarygamestudios.com/ On their Discord: https://discord.gg/YyDD7ECtdJ On their YouTube channel - they post all sorts of stuff from gaming news, to gaming podcasts, to game jams, to the occasional cooking video: https://www.youtube.com/@caxtnova
Imaginary Game Studios GAMES on Steam:https://store.steampowered.com/app/2673440/Rogue_Climber/ <—- WISHLIST ME NOW!!!https://store.steampowered.com/app/2175790/Meticulous/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #ImaginaryGameStudios #CaxtNova
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Episode 117 - Play
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Norah and Ben are excitedly hosting the pod this week. The topic word is one that most people associate with childhood, but the benefits for adults are well documented by psychologists. Ben talks about what he is playing (Wife Quest and Stellar Blade) and Norah talks about the weather before they get in to the meat and potatoes of the discussion and start playing with their fictitious food. Why are adults reluctant to use the word play in their day to day lives? Are hobbies a form of play? What was the origin of the Sony PlayStation? Our hosts explore these questions and more!
00:00:21 - Fan thanks, OnlyFans, Tucson weather, the monsoons, and Norah’s hall of records
00:04:15 - Playing baseball, fat bottom games, the nature of addiction, and not Wife Swap
00:06:45 - Norah hates reality… television, Ben explains Wife Quest, and the ABBA connection
00:09:47 - Ben recommends for a dose of nostalgia, chibi-ish style, and on to Stellar Blade
00:13:16 - The “back in my day” card, DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball, and why robot women?
00:17:06 - Ben likes strange stories, finding your girlfriend in a dumpster, and just Flemming
00:19:29 - Reading all the verbs and nouns, Norah’s “hot take,” and mostly recreational
00:23:55 - The origin, leaping for joy, usage in print, and other phrases containing play
00:25:46 - Plays-on-words, Ben doesn’t like golf, and burning tangerine segments at the stake
00:30:03 - Imagination, mailing snails, one class short, masters of play, building with LEGOs
00:34:27 - The stigma of playing, Ben challenges, throwing arrows and TikToks, and humor
00:37:26 - Creativity throughout life, playing funky music, and Richard Melville Hall scores
00:40:40 - The story of Play-Doh, coal residue, scent libraries, and the Doctor Drill N Fill toy
00:44:10 - A Hasbro patent, used by Homer Simpson, and the Psychology Today definition
00:47:25 - Two ways of doing puzzles and having fun, maths, and the benefits for adults
00:50:12 - After a quick pee break, a connection to Nintendo, and some CES shenanigans
00:53:31 - Developing hardware out spite, a PlayStation at a concert, and Local H’s big song
00:57:08 - You can do that outside, final thoughts, and an association to creating and learning
Follow Two Vague on…
Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcast
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com
-AND-
…for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!
https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Episode 116 - Ellipsis
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Andrew joins Ben this week to talk about a particular piece of punctuation that isn’t a dinkus! People have strong opinions about when and where the ellipsis should and shouldn’t be used, so our hosts decided to investigate… for SCIENCE! Along the way they discovered a number of new words to share (including dinkus)! Fortunately there won’t be a vocabulary quiz at the end of the show, but there will be an exploration of the use of the ellipsis in the text and dialog of comics, manga, and video games. Finally, they close the show with a couple of odd questions from Ben and some of their soon to be famous tangential discussion nonsense.
00:00:21 - Unrefrigerated, getting a Whirlpool, Kevin Meaney, and no refrigerator magnets?!00:02:56 - Ben throws some crazy, cabinet positions, still a general, and getting over… again00:04:53 - Birthday time travel, trust the process, meeting on Threads, and Judy Blume books00:08:04 - Best social media wingman, and “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai…” references00:10:00 - Ben wants to compare arcade attendant notes with streamer AdventurerJessica 00:11:47 - Visual migraines, multifactorial, “the matchy color fun game,” and accomplishment00:14:16 - Breaking up chapters, text message teaser, a very wordy hybrid, and linguistics00:16:45 - Greek origins, graphs, two dollar words in 1800s, and the MLA format for writing00:20:00 - Andrew thinks it’s judgmental, prescriptive versus descriptive grammar, and ain’t 00:22:31 - Interesting trends in language development, dialect coaches, and Ohio is derpy 00:24:51 - Generation Alpha’s meme inspired phrases, Florida man, and ellipsis use in texting 00:28:03 - Unspoken anger, punctuation usage confusion, the Mongolian ellipsis, and math00:30:52 - Folding, nobody else cares, picking up styles, and guides for technical writing00:35:10 - Vocabulary words of the episode: aposiopesis, cæsura, and “elision or deletion”00:37:40 - Andrew goes off on Shakespeare, the days of Solid Snake, and fancy Breakout 00:39:46 - “Goddess of Victory: Nikke” conversations, and Zero Wing’s bad translations00:42:07 - Pac-Man eating punctuation, more frequent in Japanese media, and pauses00:44:12 - Widening the gap, interpreting the worst, and problems deciphering body language00:48:29 - Andrew hopes he’s getting paid, the movie rights, and Ben Mezrich’s strategy00:50:32 - Who would play you in a movie about your life, and does the face include ears? 00:52:34 - Tenet, Andrew’s nemesis, Inception, and Ben threatens to buy Andrew a BluRay 00:54:10 - Final thoughts, to confuse and annoy, that’s it, and a hero named “The Ellipsis”
Follow Andrew / Partly Robot Industries on…His website: https://partlyrobot.com/On Instagram: https://instagram.com/partlyrobotOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@partlyrobotOn Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/partlyrobot
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com-AND- …for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
Threads/IG Shout Outs for Liz, Kaja, and Jessica… (please be on the podcast)!
https://instagram.com/liz_lapoint AND check out her GenXcellent Substack!https://instagram.com/booksbyblackleyhttps://instagram.com/adventurerjessica
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #PartlyRobot #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Episode 115 - News
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Lukas Eggen from gameonmedia.net is back in the virtual studio with Ben to do a proper show on a subject that he, as a seasoned journalist, is incredibly qualified to talk about. Before getting into “the news,” they talk about a few articles that Lukas has been working on for his new publication "Game On!" Then they discuss how the journalism landscape has changed with the advent of digital media and what games they have been playing recently. Following the definition, Ben and Lukas move on to their thoughts on the pitfalls of news delivery, maintaining journalistic integrity, the potential impact of AI in journalism, and navigating “tough” interviews. Finally, Ben closes the show with his obligatory goofiness and some puppet centric trivia.
00:00:20 - Hot Las Vegas, being thankful for AC, gameonmedia.net, and podcast coaching00:03:56 - Modules, Jennifer Hale, SkillsHub, the joys of podcasting, and Ben says…00:06:40 - Breaking news, Lukas’ focuses on journalism, and from Evo to AI in gaming00:09:17 - Old school reporting, how news stories have changed, and digital versus printed00:12:51 - What Lukas has been playing: Animal Crossing, Child of Light, and Marvel Snap00:14:46 - Ben has been playing Wife Quest since TEVI, and he is pleasantly surprised00:17:15 - miHoYo’s “Zenless Zone Zero,” “pay to win” popularity, and live service games 00:20:17 - The vision of kids today, wives snapping necks, and the definition and origin00:23:54 - Editorial, perspective, integrity, things presented as news, and bias game news00:27:06 - Content creators, “us older people,” the evolution of cable news, and complicity 00:29:57 - IGN buyouts, where the silicon grows, AI in journalism, and the Gannett connection00:34:30 - Connecting with authors, investing in AI development, and what AI can’t do00:37:35 - Expressions, connecting coincidentally, and the potential for analyzing big data00:40:05 - Nudity for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and the optics of interviewing Phil Spencer 00:43:36 - Esports World Cup controversy, asking the tough questions, and getting denied 00:46:51 - Everyone has a price, the word association question, and supporting journalists 00:49:50 - Ben brings the goofy, The Great Space Coaster trivia, and no Gary Gnu news00:52:01 - Balancing the tone, and Billy Basso draws inspiration from “Indy Game: The Movie”00:55:23 - Lukas thanks his supporters, there is a me, and closing the show with an invitation 00:57:57 - Open to Threads sponsorship, meeting cool people, and Andrew’s TeePublic promo
For all things Lukas Eggen check out…https://www.gameonmedia.net/ -AND-https://linktr.ee/LukasEggen
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcastFor show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com-AND- …for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
SkillsHub for Actorshttps://acting.skillshub.life/
Wife Quest by Pippin Gameshttps://www.pippingames.com/wife-quest
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #LukasEggen #GameOnMedia #GameOn #SkillsHubforActors #SkillsHub #JenniferHale #PippinGames #WifeQuest
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Episode 114 - Ben's Review of TEVI
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
This week, Ben is joined by long time fan and “aunt of the pod” Norah for a game review episode. After a BIG thank you to a PR ninja and some miscellaneous chatter about the origin of the “bunny girl” archetype, Ben dives right in to his assessment of the platform / bullet hell shooter mashup, TEVI! Stay tuned after the show for the latest 2VP tee shirt advertisement, brought to you by Partly Robot Industries.
00:00:21 - Traffic on the 1’s and 7’s, a year of Norah, Alaska, and a smoked salmon monsoon00:02:41 - Ben’s PAX West 2024 plans, Bust-A-Move, and giving thanks to Robert… a PR Ninja00:05:21 - PSN certification delays, Norah’s thoughts on aesthetics, and video game romances 00:09:26 - Norah is like the squirrel, and developing relationships with fictional characters 00:14:03 - Cutscene spectacles, being desensitized by the media, and a bunny wants to fit in00:17:50 - “Metroidvania” / “bullet hell” mashup, Rabi-Ribi’s story, and the Playboy connection00:20:19 - Try to be unbiased, reading for the articles, and from the perspective of a Boomer00:23:04 - The mistreatment of people, power dynamics, and articles by well known authors00:26:25 - Back to the bunny, Norah learns a new word, and looking for hidden objects00:28:53 - The would of Az, an interesting use for a belt, and angel and demon shot mechanics00:31:28 - The anime segments of TEVI, Ben cancels his scoring math, and Norah buying PS500:33:06 - Ben starts his 3 ups with a platform genera comparison and ends with cool graphics00:35:38 - Starting with a mini-down, too many sigils, missing the sweet spot, and a big map00:39:40 - Norah asks about skipping things, Ben’s playing strategy, and linear storylines00:43:01 - Generational perceptions of game length, and DO check out TEVI for a nostalgic trip00:46:23 - Another PR ninja shoutout, what Norah is wearing, and Andrew’s TeePublic ad
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcastFor show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com
-AND- ...for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
TEVI Review*** A big thank you to Robert Lashley… PR Ninja from Team Critical Hit for the review key! ***Developed by CreSpirit, GemaYue, Ein LeePublished by CreSpirit, Neverland Entertainment for PC versionAnd PM Studios Inc. for the PS5 and Switch version
3 UPs - TEVI is a masterfully crafted platform game with a significant number of exploration opportunities and gameplay depth.- Tevi and supporting characters are highly customizable through the use of sigils to match your style of play.- TEVI looks, sounds, and plays like a “best in class” retro 4th (16-bit) or 5th (32-bit) generation console platform game.
3 DOWNs- The voice acting is not in English; however, there are English subtitles.- The pool of sigils which grows throughout the game (up to a grand total of 250 possible) and their varying point values can make it very time consuming when creating your customized character build. - The map of Az’s explorable areas was too far too vast and confusing to figure out where you wanted to go with ease. This goes for the story as well. At times I was disoriented or lost within each.
DO BUY and PLAY if… You love retro style platform games; this game has lots of gameplay depth for a low cost!
References, Links, and Tags
For more information on CreSpirit’s latest game “TEVI” (now available on : Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S)…https://www.tevi.games/en
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #TEVI #CreSpirit #PMStudiosInc
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Episode 113 - Vague
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Andrew joins Ben for 2VP’s “leather” anniversary and a chat about things AND stuff! Andrew has been writing, playing with baby CJ, and preparing for a stand-up comedy show. Ben has been playing games, but instead of following the typical show segment order, he decides to call an audible. They take the scenic route on their way to talking about the games “Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key” from developer Gust and “Goddess of Victory: Nikke” from developer Shift Up. Topics discussed include: amateur stand-up comedy writing, the origin of the name of the show, the baby schema theory, Funko collectables, the manga of Osamu Tezuka, and an AI generated art deep dive / debate.
00:00:21 - Mango’s cute vocals, 3 years of vague, Andrew’s retirement, and LtHTT the musical00:03:07 - Time traveling, GMT or UTC, timezones in India, and Gandhi’s fake quote about hate 00:07:02 - Andrew’s joke writing process, spoken word Bohemian Rhapsody, and bring it back00:09:34 - Star Trek actor rap battle, Ben’s laniard check silliness, and developing improv skills00:13:14 - Tig Notaro’s piano bit, the extra sauce, adaptive humor, and Ben’s show flipflop 00:16:13 - The definition of that word, vague activities degrees, and staying in the vagus nerve 00:19:53 - Zippy the Pinhead, Chuck Norris’ second coming, and the ethologist Konrad Lorenz00:24:00 - Chibi style and cuteness, Astro Boy, Princess Knight, and the vague duality of Kevin 00:28:19 - Ben’s next time at Texas Roadhouse, Andrew’s old hustle, and mentioning merch 00:33:22 - Soda ingredients, the Father’s Day edition of “The Buzz,” and advertising budgets 00:36:25 - Andrew’s description and a AI generated composition, and the giant swan Kaiju 00:40:07 - The changing job landscape for commercial artists and detecting AI generated art 00:43:42 - Give Clippy some work, carbon footprints, being human, and Ben really means food00:47:14 - Humans learning art, shots fired, Ben likes a Smashmouth song, and photography 00:49:57 - The joys of day jobs, anti-AI scrubbing tactics, resume hacks, and the number three00:55:01 - Ben’s choice, a game about doing chores, and petting all the animals in the JRPG00:58:13 - Changing the percentage, a strange choice of robot design, and broken arms
Follow Andrew / Partly Robot Industries on…His website: https://partlyrobot.com/On Instagram: https://instagram.com/partlyrobotOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@partlyrobotOn Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/partlyrobot
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com
-AND- …for all of your PRI and 2VP merch check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
References, Links, and Tags
Time travel to Andrew’s comedy set at the Helium Comedy Club https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23IW96eVf0Y
The official Atelier Ryza 3 sitehttps://www.koeitecmoamerica.com/ryza3/
For all of your exposed “side-boob” needs, the official “Goddess of Victory: Nikke” sitehttps://nikke-en.com/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #KoeiTecmoAmerica #AtelierRyza3 #ShiftUp #GoddessOfVictoryNIKKE
Saturday Jun 22, 2024
Episode 112 - Aesthetic
Saturday Jun 22, 2024
Saturday Jun 22, 2024
Cheyenne joins Ben in the studio this week for an episode a year in the making! They start off talking about a big move that Cheyenne is making this year and what games they are playing. Cheyenne has been playing a couple of Larian Studios game and romancing mostly vampires. Ben has finished Pacific Drive and is trying to figure out what he’s going to play next. The hosts discuss the definition, share their results from a wikiHow “What is your aesthetic” quiz, and talk about how the definition has changed in recent decades. They also take a peek at the Aesthetics Wiki and talk about recent TikTok shenanigans before moving on to discussing their favorite video game aesthetics. Before closing the show, they ponder and explore what censorship in today’s gaming environment looks like.
00:00:20 - And Ben will, moving to Portland, explaining the podcast in a bag, and Ben’s “mo”00:02:08 - The Rand McNally store, Cheyenne’s “Eras Tour,” and 1200 hours invested in BG300:05:05 - Experiencing simulated bears for science, having legs, and Pacific Drive is done00:10:28 - Romancing things in games, not enough tabletop taglines, and on to the definition00:14:35 - How generation Z uses the word, the quiz, Y2K and Cottagecore, and the suffix00:19:08 - Normcore, Dark Academia and E-kids, transcending image, and what is Ben’s vibe 00:22:47 - It’s giving Beigecore, investigating the Wiki, and pronouncing Sega Uranus properly 00:28:00 - Traditional aesthetics, beauty is subjective, the inspiration of an image, and TikTok00:32:15 - Filters, the kind of talker, Dada expression, and ByteDance divestiture speculation00:37:31 - Asking intelligent questions, Congressional Dadcore, and wearing appropriate attire 00:42:04 - The first and last time, in Cheyenne-ese, a black and white realm, and Vanillaware 00:46:51 - Style documents, thoughts on censorship and graphics, and Shift Up’s Stellar Blade 00:52:21 - Changing demographics of players, identifying with characters, and connections 00:55:14 - Reflective morons making a difference, voices being acknowledged, and toxicity 00:58:31 - Just a misunderstanding, Cheyenne’s vampire hill, and moving towards inclusivity01:00:35 - Not engaging, opinions about “barrelmancy,” and a Dadcore time out is needed01:04:54 - Closing thoughts, the importance of aesthetics in games, and we’re ALL Beigecore!
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For ALL of your Partly Robot Industries and 2VP merchandise NEEDS, check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com
References, Links, and Tags
The Aesthetics Wiki https://aesthetics.fandom.com/wiki/Aesthetics_Wiki
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #GamerThreads #Portland #AestheticsWiki #PartlyRobotIndustries #TeePublic
Sunday Jun 09, 2024
Episode 111 - Aliquot
Sunday Jun 09, 2024
Sunday Jun 09, 2024
Andrew joins Ben this week for a special request word (from a different Ben), but first the gents share what they are up to. For Andrew it’s growing his multimedia empire; for Ben it is playing video games… obviously. Then on to the word that they will divide, conquer, and put into …containers? Additional stream of consciousness thoughts and musings include: The Big Lebowski, what is the internet (according to a U.S. Senator), Peter Falk impressions, teaching through examples, science shows for kids in the 1980’s, a method for making sourdough bread, and a video game featuring the aliquoting of Budweiser beer!
00:00:20 - Riding Nerf gun, a percentile of Portland’s funniest, and Andrew’s publishing deal00:04:04 - ADHD research, back to the Larryverse, writing the journey, and no more rants00:08:05 - Andrew’s new-ish TEEPUBLIC designs, the Aurtistic zine, and bite the students first00:11:13 - Ben has been playing games, more time traveling, and fixing the personality of cars00:13:30 - Balatro by LocalThunk, fits of declension, against the blinds, and de-buffed hearts 00:17:24 - Frowned upon in Las Vegas, the card game Flux, and an AI Gore inspired joker 00:23:15 - Sort of playing Mine Sweeper, from another Ben, The Big Lebowski, and it is a sled00:26:23 - Finding strangers in the Alps, a father quoting/hiking, and aliquot has a definition 00:30:09 - The late great Hannibal Lecter, an era of big chemistry, and a book of science poetry00:33:55 - Alligator & apricot, Carl Sagan fashion, chemistry equipment, and a series of tubes 00:37:50 - The Rockford Files, Peter Falk quotes from Vibes, the internet, and the concept00:40:46 - Poisons, explaining aliquoting to a 5 year old, and a two dimensional container 00:43:54 - Science shows for kids, Bill Nye exposure, don’t do acid, and a new 2VP slogan00:45:50 - They don’t aliquot pizza in Italy, a tool for baking sourdough bread, and Tapper00:49:40 - Anheuser-Busch, Marvin Glass and Associates, 70’s toys, and Domino Man 00:52:06 - A Budweiser story, better in Europe, a real mustache dude, and the Bally art style00:55:04 - Not Dig Dug, Q*Bert’s speech impediment, and using new words to annoy friends00:58:12 - Movies based on board games, video games, and 1980’s television show properties
Follow Andrew / Partly Robot Industries on…His website: https://partlyrobot.com/On Instagram: https://instagram.com/partlyrobotOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@partlyrobotOn Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/partlyrobot
-AND-
…for all of your Partly Robot Industries and Two Vague Podcast merch needs, check out the Partly Robot Industries store at TEEPUBLIC!https://www.teepublic.com/user/partly-robot-industries
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com
References, Links, and Tags
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #Neurodiversity #PartlyRobotIndustries #PartlyRobot #TeePublic #ArcadeGames
Monday May 27, 2024
Episode 110 - An Interview with Andrea Alvarez from Joystick Ventures!
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
This week Ben is excited to talk to Andrea about her role as a project manager at Joystick Ventures for the games “Star★Vaders,” “Big Boy Boxing,” and “Chicken Police: Into the Hive!” But first, Andrea and Ben have each been playing games with an abundance of atmospheric tension, suspense, and dare we say… creepiness. After sharing these experiences with each other, they dive right in and have a very interesting conversation about the funding, developing, promoting, and marketing of independently made video games!
00:00:20 - Rituals, runes, pools, Pacific Drive, weeping angels, and Andrea’s introduction00:06:18 - A startup background, changes in the games Andrea plays, and still a console girl00:10:27 - How Joystick Ventures chooses, team diversity, and the “open world” game00:13:38 - Development, production, and what a project manager at Joystick Ventures does00:16:48 - Facilitating development, fostering relationships, and balancing a number of projects00:20:51 - Hungarian game noir, challenges in working globally, and Discord communication00:25:00 - Summer showcases, Andrea says hello to Norah, and PAX versus other trade shows00:28:52 - Ben talks about attending PAX as press, networking for the show, and playing games00:31:34 - Public relations, marketing, activating the pillars, and demographic strategy changes 00:37:05 - Segmenting based on interest instead of demographics, and audience clusters00:39:26 - New monster, determining appropriate platforms, and Steam infrastructure flexibility00:42:32 - The growth of Steam, the FTC’s noncompete announcement, and speculation 00:46:15 - Movement toward independent games, and closing the show
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcastFor show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com
References, Links, and Tags
Joystick Ventures - https://www.joystickventures.com/
Star★Vaders - https://star-vaders.com/Wishlist Star★Vaders on Steam - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2097570/StarVaders/Check out the 2VP episode we did with Star★Vaders lead designer Eddie - https://www.twovaguepodcast.com/e/episode-94-nature/
Big Boy Boxing from Soupmasters - https://soupmasters.com/Wishlist Big Boy Boxing on Steam - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1680780/Big_Boy_Boxing/Check out the 2VP episode we did with Big Boy Boxing lead designer Martin - https://www.twovaguepodcast.com/e/episode-95-animate/
Chicken Police: Into the Hive (the sequel to Chicken Police: Paint hit Red) by The Wild Gentlemen - https://thewildgentlemen.com/Wishlist CP:ItH on Steam - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2362090/Chicken_Police_Into_the_HIVE/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #JoystickVentures #StarVaders #BigBoyBoxing #ChickenPolice #IntoTheHive
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Episode 109 - Beat
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Ben and Star host 2VP this week, so shake off that tired feeling, take a moment to collect yourself, and be cool… daddy-o! There are lots of definitions to cover before getting in to the conversation. From music to an artistic subculture movement to one of Ben’s favorite BMW “comercials,” there is much to talk about. Star teaches Ben about Taylor Swift and a couple of Generation Z phrases. Ben gets really excited about being able to do his oddly specific Bob Dylan impression, and bringing up his favorite movie director. Games discussed in this episode include “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” “Hogwarts Legacy,” “Pacific Drive,” “Ultros,” “Cadence of Hyrule,” “Crypt of the Necrodancer,” “Alice: Madness Returns,” and “Hi-Fi Rush”
00:00:21 - Again with the third person, the unspoken bond, and TLoZ: Tears of the Kingdom00:03:48 - Andrew’s side quest, Star tried unique Japanese Pringles, and too many ducks00:05:18 - Ben talks about Pacific Drive, Star’s PS5 goals, and a playable acid flashback00:09:43 - Borscht ingredients, Ben’s poetry decade, the subjectivity of art, and time signatures00:12:20 - Buckle your notebook, club or whip, and off brand Duck Hunt, and MatPat’s show00:15:47 - More verbs, birds flying, cooking, sailing, and Star explains “bro boats” to Ben00:18:47 - On to the nouns, Star doesn’t know “cop speak,” a surprise, and back to Beatniks 00:20:59 - “Old timey” phrases, of German origin, word confusion, and our music choice bpm00:23:51 - The solicitation purr, Ben’s cat impression, and the “Intro to Rhythm” class final00:26:40 - Cowbells at daybreak, even for a Canadian, and an excuse for Swiftie Star00:29:17 - Taylor Swift’s latest album, Patti Smith, “No tea, no shade,” and 100 percent00:34:37 - Trading friendship bracelets with 12 year olds, and Ben’s FAVORITE impression00:36:03 - Beyoncé and the West drama, “Beat the Devil,” and Star summarizes Alien00:41:44 - Tony Scott movies, the original “True Romance” ending, and on to video games 00:44:07 - The “Crypt of the Necrodancer” franchise and the connection to Hi-Fi Rush00:46:45 - On paper, mediocre 2-D platform elements, and Chai’s backstory and origin00:50:25 - Beautiful visuals, no target locking, feels very linear, and uninspired boss fights00:54:41 - No “real” replay value, great music (but not enough), and angry dance music00:56:50 - A difference in opinion on Ye, no actual wives were harmed, and keeping time 00:59:18 - Star’s better final thought, beating the mulch, and a hitman for slumlord Tom Nook Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com
References, Links, and Tags
Ben recommends checking out this awesome game… “Pacific Drive” developed by Ironwood Studioshttps://www.pacificdrivegame.com/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #IronwoodStudios #KeplerInteractive #Ultros
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Episode 108 - Juice
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
This week Andrew and Ben have a word inspired by our 2nd (insert air horn sound) review code (and for the PS5 no less)! But first… a little bit of housekeeping featuring the one and only star of a single “The Three Stooges” episode, the "magic” 8-ball. As you know, the gentlemen are fond of complicated math, so prepare for that AND a long definition segment. Other topic diversions include: self help books, Ironwood Studios’ first release “Pacific Drive,” beverages, Juice Newton, superhero movies, French food, Ben’s review of Juicy Realm,” and 2VP merch ideas.
00:00:21 - Sausage, Tucson’s Zine Festival, and Andrew gets help from Asplenia Studios!00:02:40 - Ben’s “almost first kiss,” 2VP merch possibilities, and help from Dr. Faith Harper00:07:22 - Low budget time travel, a borscht-centric show, and Bethesda games on PS500:09:07 - Playing Pacific Drive, the joys of repair putty, and the “Herby-esque” station wagon00:12:02 - Sort of a college word, and calculating the Magic 8-Ball equivocation percentage00:17:20 - Magic 8-Ball facts, an obscure “The Three Stooges” episode, and cocktail concepts00:19:05 - Brendan Fraser, the Orange Julius, in Swedish, and prune juice is helpful sometimes00:23:10 - Juicing up, too soon, usage over time, cratered in the 1970’s, and pulp preferences00:26:19 - Meat juice, a favorite kindergarten food of Ben, AZ snails, and living in slug country00:30:05 - A direct to bathtub situation, the Tim Burton Superman movie, and the multiverses00:33:36 - Superhero popularity waning, favorite food truck movies, and Colm Meaney roles00:37:27 - The Fall Guy theme, the Beetlejuice window, and one of Ben’s favorite Judds 00:39:35 - The origin of a slogan, fruit chews facts, and coastal Oregon’s saltwater taffy 00:43:25 - Andrew’s Juice Newton memory, Deadpool movies, and the “Queen of Hearts” song00:47:50 - The theory springs a leak, bringing the horns, and a new tagline for the show 00:49:56 - The story of Juicy Realm, movers and shooters, the gameplay loop, and avocados00:52:30 - A comic strip style, PS5 is not required, powers and weapons, and saving seeds00:55:15 - Taking chances with weapons, the four biomes, room types, and less than the cost00:58:04 - Three ups, two payers, four sticks, no cups, three downs, and Ben recommends01:01:21 - Fan art creations, a cup of coffee, “comfy” tracksuit merchandise, and final thoughts A BIG THANK YOU to PM Studios and Team Critical Hit for our PS5 review key for “Juicy Realm!”
Ben’s Review of Juicy Realm 3 UPs:- 2 player local Co-op - Amazingly goofy Sunday funny paper cartoon graphics with a wide variety of creative weapons- After clearing the game the first time, difficulty modifiers are added so you can accumulate more seeds when you clear a biome, but it is entirely optional.
3 DOWNs:- No Option for online co-op gameplay- Some minor UI anomalies do exist that make weapon modifier selection difficult at times- Not balanced as much as I would have hoped… there is one character selection that is clearly superior and a number of weapons that are the most effective
DO BUY/PLAY… If you want a thrifty purchase with an arcade-like feel, but with the some of the variation, depth, and replay value of a rouge lite! If you like games similar to Hades and Cult of the Lamb, you may want to check it out. Even at full price, it’s a steal!
Follow Andrew / Partly Robot IndustriesHis website: https://partlyrobot.com/On Instagram: https://instagram.com/partlyrobotOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@partlyrobotOn Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/partlyrobot
Follow Two VagueOur website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com
References, Links, and Tags
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #JuicyRealm #TeamCriticalHit #PMStudiosInc #SpaceCan
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
Episode 107 - Trend
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
Ceramicist and former fashion industry designer Jackie joins Ben this week to talk about a topic that impacts our physical AND digital lives. Jackie has a great deal of experience and interest in design, but now she is shifting her focus to digital. Ben shares his 90s / early 2000s fashion and Rory Gilmore’s boyfriend choices before getting to the definition. Other topics discussed include: fashion, digital trends, puzzle video games, commerce, the mobile gaming market segment, and video game trend predictions for 2024.
00:00:21 - Voices, a determined Mango, a Masters in a week, and ceramic artist burnout00:03:13 - Craft vs. fine art mediums, dabbling, designing jewelry, and creativity in commerce00:06:46 - Emulation, higher education, Ben’s harsh sting, and the Pantone color of 202400:10:30 - Sharing and kindness, on your bum, and the 2VP sweatpants merchandise plans00:13:39 - An elder Millennial, Urban Decay, Ben is team Dean, and digital marketing trends00:17:10 - Jackie’s Google UX Design certificate, flavor of the month, and Ben’s meal kit idea 00:19:05 - The definition, media toxicity, Jackie is a Google person, and relatively new word 00:23:21 - Inspired by the Narrative episode, popularity, and changes in the fashion industry00:26:07 - Universally “in,” the speed of digital trends, navigating e-commerce, and hobbies00:30:37 - Blurring the line, and stories of creatives dealing with the corporate environment 00:33:47 - Questioning what big companies say that gamers want, and the mobile touchpoint00:36:27 - Trending celebrity names, Jackie’s gaming timeline, Purikura, and visiting the coffee00:40:14 - Jackie realizes her love of puzzle games, subway stories, and Netflix’s Knittens 00:44:12 - Weekly cat fashion shows, Juicy Realm’s premise, and Ben explains “bullet hell”00:46:40 - Konami’s 1993 Super Famicom game “Pop'n TwinBee” (Jackie CONFIRMED)!00:49:03 - Digital licenses, subscription models, Bethesda exclusivity, and favorite soups00:52:28 - Catching Pokémon, getting vaccinated, AR examples, and why is it appealing?00:56:04 - Expensive VR gear, doing virtual things while walking, and generative AI in games00:58:34 - Jackie plays devil’s advocate, thoughts on AI, self-expression, and AI voices01:04:11 - Ben’s new Google contact, a soul, sampling artistic works, and voice royalties01:07:13 - Ben is starstruck, the Paula Abdul briefing, and Jackie’s closing thoughts 01:10:29 - The cyclic nature of trends, no Cabbage Patch Kids, and adding wrinkles
Follow JackieHer website: https://www.jactse.com/Her storefront: https://www.madbrooklyn.com/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mad_brooklyn
Follow Two VagueOur website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.comOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com
References, Links, and Tagshttps://www.urbandecay.com/https://www.pantone.com/
Ben says,“PAULA ABDUL… please be on the podcast!”https://paulaabdul.com/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #PodernFamily #InterviewShow #GamersofThreads #Gamer #PaulaAbdul #PantoneColor2024 #UrbanDecay
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Episode 106 - TurboTax Game Review
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
To get you all excited for April 15th, Andrew joins Ben for a game review! They were under the impression that math was fun… until they tried this game. From relatively unknown game developer Intuit Inc. comes TurboTax! Andrew and Ben are playing different versions of the game, so they share their varied experiences with each other and YOU! Spoiler alert… as a game TurboTax is a dud, but as tax preparation software it’s fairly solid. Ben says, “NEEDS ZOMBIES!”
00:00:20 - The third person, dog of bag poop, and Andrew (the IRS) has set a deadline00:02:20 - Ben and Andrew are playing different versions, and some facts about Intuit Inc.00:04:42 - For ages 4+, Ben turns off the noise, weaker vibrations, callouses, and columns00:06:51 - Canadian versions of TurboTax, Andrew the French spotter, and the circumflex 00:08:54 - The funny thing about French, Funk & Wagnalls, and the first AI Vice President 00:12:06 - The extra stuff and business edition, a serious side-thought, and back to taxes00:14:41 - Some recent FTC drama, Andrew’s example side-hustle, and tick infested scooters00:16:30 - Starting with the story and narrative, kinda’ like Zork, and Ben’s story summary00:18:43 - You can’t get all the State DLC, 1099 talk, and don’t get Ben started on stamps00:21:23 - Thoughts on TurboTax’s game mechanics, Andrew’s solar buff, and the wrinkle00:24:45 - Andrew’s amended tax return side quest, round numbers, and the cost of coffee00:26:06 - Too many rectangles, it’s not a race, no customizable avatars, and the discussion00:28:01 - FTC callback, micro transactions, currencies, upcoming regulations, and tips00:32:02 - The passthrough, the Sega Genesis version, and why the previous year?00:34:08 - Arizona and Oregon DLC, getting “the kicker,” and Ben’s 3 ups and 3 downs00:37:32 - Not compatible with Wave Financial, game saves, season passes, and zombies00:39:34 - Andrew has stamps, not good for concrete, Ben’s true story, and postage due00:41:34 - Thumbs up or thumbs down, lathe adjacent, and borrowing the Office Assistant
The FORMULA…Story and Narrative (SN) + Game Mechanics (GM) + Audiovisuals (AV) = a video game experience
SN - Story / Narrative - With a name like TurboTax, you might think this is a racing game… you would be wrong! In this mostly text based “adventure,” your story can be vastly different from someone else's due to the extensive story branching. You start out playing the role of someone who has been giving money to a government over the course of a year, and now at the conclusion of the year, you are told you have to do math and fill out forms before April 15th. You are obviously the protagonist, but it’s very difficult to determine who the adversary is. GM - Game Mechanics - For the main part of the game you are either answering questions or if you prefer, filling out the forms directly. That’s really all of the gameplay… YAWN! Even if you do fill out the forms and submit them to the government in time, you may still have to face a random boss fight in the form of an audit which can extend the playtime extensively. AV - Audiovisuals - There is no music! The UI is very simplistic… and not in a compelling way. There is a timer and a checkered flag at the top of the screen, but that’s about as exciting as it gets. Any sound effect in the game is utterly forgettable. For the current generation of games, the graphics and audio should be much better. Zombies are needed to add some excitement!
UPs- If you do a speed run you can be done very quickly- You can receive money which makes it seem like you have accomplished something- DLC is available for your State if you want to extend your gameplayDOWNs - Although story the branching is extensive there are really only 2 endings either you owe or you get a refund and neither of those guarantee a “good ending”- Almost more fun to fill out the forms manually, at least with that you feel some sort of an accomplishment.- Extra data entry is required to actually submit your forms electronically unless you have a printer and stamps, but who other than Andrew has those handy.
DO BUY… if you don’t want to do your taxes manuallyDO PLAY… working tax payers have to play in some way
Note: In all seriousness, my REAL TurboTax experience was quick and easy. I have a very simple return, so if your situation is similar I, would recommend it.
Follow Andrew / Partly Robot Industries on…His website: https://partlyrobot.com/On Instagram: https://instagram.com/partlyrobotOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@partlyrobotOn Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/partlyrobot
Follow Two Vague on…Our website: https://www.twovaguepodcast.comOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/two_vague_podcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twovaguepodcastOn (ex-)Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoVaguePodcast
For show appearance and other inquiries, contact us at: twovaguepodcast@gmail.com
References, Links, and Tags
https://www.intuit.com/https://www.ftc.gov/
#Podbean #DIYPodcast #ApplePodcast #VideoGames #Trivia #Comedy #Talkshow #2VP #TwoVaguePodcast #AprilFools #IntuitInc #TurboTax #TaxDay #NeedsZombies
The 2VP Origin Story:
Two Vague originated from an idea I had for my eventual memoir. Games have been such a big part of my life that in theory, I could document most of my personal history using them as points on my timeline. The original concept was to begin with an arcade or video game, provide some background and facts about it, and then combine that with anecdotes / memories / life experiences. I could never quite justify committing it to the written word (not yet anyway), but that was the starting point.
As time went on, I began thinking about it with greater frequency, typically after watching, reading, or listening to video game related content. I wasn’t really interested in putting together game news program or a solo monologue type of show. Two people having an interesting, unique exchange of ideas was the premise I wanted to explore and develop. I thought it was important for me to come up with a name and logo to use as a conceptual anchor. I vaguely knew what I wanted, so decided the name would be “Too Vague”. My brother suggested that I use the number 2 instead and from that suggestion I quickly drew up a logo.
Shortly thereafter, my brother and I talked at length about the podcasts we enjoyed and why. Soon we moved on to discussing what “shape” my show would eventually take.
B: “It will be me and someone else… only 2 people.”
A: “Would it be an interview show?”
B: “Not exactly…”
A: “What is the show going to be about?”
B: “Video games… and something else.”
A: “How?”
B: “I guess I could describe it as an in-depth conversation"
… and that is where our podcast journey began in 2021!